Alphabet Cookies

James has suddenly started to show an interest in letters and numbers. So with that in mind, yesterday for our cooking session we made alphabet cookies. I have a huge stash of cutters for cake decorating so it was good to be able to use them. Since we were making them for a snack on the plane I wanted him to be able to play with them a bit as well as eat them. I also wanted them to have less sugar in them! I adapted the recipe that I used for my lolly pop cookies. So instead of using a cup of sugar I only used a tablespoon and to sweeten it up a bit I added a bit of apple puree. Ok so that is still sugar but it is a better sugar in my opinion. I didn't need to add the milk as it was wet enough with the puree. We had fun with the teeny shapes and my little taste testers like them so thats the main thing!

Busy Book

The nights have been very cold lately so I have really enjoyed snuggling up on the couch under my blanket, watching TV and sewing the boys busy book. I have made some progress. It is still what you would call 'rustic'! So please for give me there and remember to squint or take off your glasses like I said before. Anyway I have had fun. I don't think I will get a chance to do anymore before we go away so now I have got to work out how to bind it together. hmmmmm

Here are the finished pages (well near finished) 

 B is for button. The pouch is filled with giant buttons for counting or threading and big enough to chew on too!

C is for counting. Little beads on lengths of ribbon

        E is for eggs. Three little eggs with press stud tops on to match, with chickens underneath.

F is for fish. Each fish has a magnet inside, and I will add a little fishing rod.

G is for Games. The pocket has pieces in it for tic tac toe which is a favourite for James at the moment.

                  H is for hair. Play with or braid the hair, or chew on. (sensing a chewing pattern?)

A is for Ark An ark filled with felt animals.

I have no idea what to do for I- Z but for now I think I have had enough fun to keep them occupied for 5 seconds. 

It's Play School

The kids and I went to the Play School concert yesterday. The verdict? ........ It was awesome and I highly recommend it as a fun outing for littlies (and also big kids at heart!).

This is why I recommend it:

1. It is good value at only $14.50 per ticket. Perfect. I think that price is very reasonable for a live show.
2. It is kid length. 45 minutes is just enough for all toddlers and preschoolers.
3. The actual show was engaging. Great stories and songs that are familiar and easy to sing along to. 
4. It is local! They play them at your local RSL, so I didn't have to trump into the city with two kids. Big bonus.
5.  The actors are very talented, with captivating stage presence. (You rock Tao!) There were no over the top squeaky kiddy voices that so many kid entertainers have these days ( they make me cringe!). There is even some humour for adults thrown in if your listening close enough. 
6. It is not over stimulating. I like that they used simple creative props, with a piano and two actors. That's it, and it is really all that pre schoolers need. 

Whilst these pro's are important to the ease and success of the day, the bit I loved most was seeing James up dancing with his friend Liam and singing his favourites songs. So cute and priceless really. So as I write this I realise it sounds as though it is a bit of an advertisement. I wish I was being paid to review it, but alas no that is not the case. We just had a great time! A big thanks to my friend Karrie for organising it. Put it in your diaries peeps as something to do that is well worthwhile, if not for this year, for next  :)